International Circle of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées Soiree

Marifé Hernández and her husband Joel Bell are considered excellent ambassadors for culture in New York City. Curiosity about the rest of the world, paired with New York’s openness to the best of other continents alongside its own excellence, is what makes it a true international capital. When I discover something wonderful, I want to share it, and I want all my friends to know about it, and I want everybody to go, said Marifé to fifty of her closest friends, gathered at her home on Thursday, June 8th, to learn of her newest endeavor, The International Circle of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

She recalled discovering the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées at around eight or nine years old, having been lucky enough to have a grandmother who took her to Paris every year and to that beautiful theater. With this, she introduced the theater’s director general, Michel Franck, who explained that theirs is one of the most beautiful theaters in Paris, but what truly makes it special is its intimacy. Despite being relatively large, it always feels intimate, with no seat more than thirty meters from the stage. It is this atmosphere, he noted, this feeling of community, that makes the theater a family they hope guests will join.

A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine

Here is a potential breakdown of a five day trip.

Day one covers arrival in Paris. Participants arrive and check into their accommodations, with free time to explore the city or rest after the journey.

Day two marks the opening of the new season. Guests attend the opening performance of the new season at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, enjoying a concert featuring the Orchestra and Choir of La Scala di Milano alongside the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Day three offers private entertainment, including a private concert and cocktail event hosted by Comte Patrice de Laage de Meux in his hôtel particulier, an exclusive opportunity to enjoy music while mingling with fellow attendees.

Day four is dedicated to culinary and wine experiences, beginning with a dinner hosted by Véronique Bich in her Paris apartment, offering an intimate setting for a unique dining experience and social connection. The day continues with a tour of the Laurent-Perrier Domain and its cellars in Tours-sur-Marne, where guests can explore the vineyards, learn about the champagne making process, and enjoy wine tasting.

Day five includes a visit to a chateau, with lunch at the Château de Louvois, a picturesque castle known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, followed by departure from Paris or further time to explore the city at leisure.

Throughout the trip, participants have the opportunity to engage with fellow members of the International Circle while immersing themselves in the vibrant cultural scene of Paris. It’s an itinerary that combines world class music performances with private entertainment and gastronomic experiences, creating a memorable and enriching visit to the City of Light.

A Legacy Written by Legends

Michel Franck spoke to the rich artistic history and legacy tied to the theater, listing several renowned artists and performers associated with the space. Among them were composer Igor Stravinsky and ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, who collaborated on the groundbreaking ballets The Rite of Spring and Petrushka with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. He also mentioned Josephine Baker, the legendary American born French entertainer, singer, and dancer who rose to fame in the 1920s for her captivating performances and became an icon of the Jazz Age, as well as Maria Callas, one of the greatest opera singers of the twentieth century, celebrated for her exceptional soprano voice and dramatic interpretations, whose farewell concert marked a significant moment in opera history.

Franck also referenced a distinguished list of conductors and musicians tied to the venue, including Bruno Walter, Artur Rubinstein, Vladimir Horowitz, Arturo Toscanini, Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Pierre Boulez, Riccardo Muti, and William Christie, all highly regarded figures within the classical music world. He noted Jacques Brel, the Belgian singer, songwriter, and actor celebrated internationally for his chansons, whose emotionally charged performances and poignant lyrics made him a deeply influential figure in French music, as well as Elton John, the British singer, songwriter, and pianist known for his flamboyant stage presence and decades of hit songs, widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential musicians in popular music history.

Franck also mentioned Cecilia Bartoli, the Italian mezzo soprano who has earned worldwide recognition for her exceptional vocal skill and interpretation of Baroque music, and who considers the theater her artistic home.

What continues to distinguish this new Circle is its blend of world class artistry with genuine intimacy. Rather than simply offering access to performances, the itinerary weaves guests directly into the private, personal side of Parisian cultural life, from private salon concerts to intimate apartment dinners, echoing the very sense of closeness and community Franck described as central to the theater itself.

For more information on The International Circle of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées kindly write: Julia Neugebauer at  jneugebauer@theatrechampselysees.fr